🌤 Weather at Colton Point State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–67 °F | 52–79 °F | 29–70 °F | 14–35 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wellsboro 4 SW, 4 mi away, elevation 1,818 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Nestled in between Tioga and Susquehannock State Forests, lies the breathtaking Colton Point State Park. Set across 368-acres, it lies to the west of the 800 foot deep Pine Creek Gorge, which has been affectionately dubbed ‘the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania’. Providing visitors with a spectacular location to explore, especially during fall, when the colors are magnificent. A haven for those who enjoy hiking, you’ll have to pinch yourself at some of the views you’ll see on its trails and rugged bluffs. Birders too will no doubt be excited by the opportunity to spot up to 200 avian species. Other popular activities at the park include hunting, fishing and picnicking. While there are decent, albeit primitive camping options for those who want to stay for a few nights.
Activities
This PA state park provides visitors with many different ways to immerse themselves in and enjoy its spectacular scenery. Here is a small selection of some of the things you can see and do during your time there.
Fishing at Colton Point State Park
If you enjoy fishing, you will love the opportunity to catch the likes of panfish, trout and smallmouth bass. The only issue is, you will have to hike all the way to the foot of the canyon, in order to reach the best spot at Pine Creek. Should that feel like too much of an effort, you will be able to cast a line for trout, at a number of streams, including those which run off Turkey Path Trail.
Hiking at Colton Point State Park
For those into hiking the park provides fantastic opportunities to take in incredible scenic views of stunning waterfalls and spectacular overlooks. Showcased via four miles of trails that run above, and deep into the heart of the lush gorge, these trails are a must in fall, when the autumn colors are just sensational. (More about that later). For families or beginners, the best hike to do is the Rim Trail. This leads you on a one-mile path to the top of the gorge, where you will be able to take in breathtaking views of the ‘Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania’. More experienced hikers might want to tackle the three-mile Turkey Path which will lead you past a thunderous 70-foot waterfall that cascades majestically onto the bottom of the canyon.
Picnicking at Colton Point State Park
If you are fixing to picnic at the park there are five main areas in which you can do this. All of which have picnic tables that are available to use throughout the year. Nestled along the top of the gorge, each of these areas showcase terrific views of the surrounding scenery. If you intend to picnic in a large group, five pavilions can be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a few. Three of these pavilions even have fireplaces in them.
Hunting at Colton Point State Park
For those who enjoy hunting, this part of Pennsylvania is renowned for its fantastic opportunities for hunting. With over 100 acres in which to partake in this pastime, the park gives you plenty of room during the established season for hunting, trapping or training dogs. Some of the common game species you can snare include rabbits, deer, pheasants, squirrels and turkeys. You will need to follow all of the state’s regulations and only hunt what is in season. Be mindful too that it is prohibited to hunt groundhogs.
Fall Foliage at Colton Point State Park
One of the park’s main drawcards in the autumn is to see the awesome fall foliage that illuminates its landscape. During this time you will see an incredible kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and yellows that dominate the landscape, across the hills, far into the horizon. The hues of reds you will see typically come from red oaks, red maples and sassafras. While the gorgeous oranges and yellows tend to come from sugar maples, sycamores, birches, aspens and oak trees.
Wildlife Viewing & Birding at Colton Point State Park
As a result of its diverse landscape, the park accommodates a wide range of wildlife and birdlife. If you are into wildlife viewing, you will marvel at the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, snowshoe hares, beavers and minks. Birders will also be in their element, as more than 200 avian species, including the likes of hawks, osprey and bald eagles can be seen in this area.
Pets at Colton Point State Park
Pets are welcome at the park as long as they are restrained. Some other restrictions may apply. So if you would like to find out what they are, it would be worth your while contacting the park’s main office for further details.
Camping at Colton Point State Park
Providing RV campers with a rustic getaway, camping at Colton Point State Park is done on a first come, first served basis. Located close to the Rim Trail, there are 25 primitive sites situated in this campground. Open from April until October, 7 of these are appropriate for RVs or trailers that are up to 38 feet in length, while an additional 13 are designated specifically for tent camping. There are also another 9 that can only be reached by walk-in. Unfortunately there are no hookups at this campground, but visitors can use a sanitary dump station that is located at its entrance. You will also find vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and potable water too. If you are looking for group tent camping, the park also offers a facility for youth and adult groups that can accommodate up to 90 people. This is also a primitive site, and it offers only picnic tables. Although you can use the comfort station and other amenities over at the main campground.
Park Location
Colton Point State Park 927 Colton Road Wellsboro, PA 16901 Phone: 570.724.3061 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Colton Point State Park:
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Colton Point State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks nearby: Leonard Harrison State Park is a short drive away, while Tioga State Forest lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Colton Point State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Colton Point State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Colton Point State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
